Square Fair this weekend in Lima

Square Fair opens today and continues Saturday in Town Square. Square Fair President Dennis Baker said the festival being free is a big draw.

“It’s free; that’s probably one of the biggest things,” he said. “There’s, I don’t think, hardly any (festivals) left in Ohio of this caliber that’s free.”

Brownsville Station, whose drummer is from Van Wert, decided to return to the area to make up for a concert canceled last year because of the weather.

The festival will also feature other bands, events for children, 14 food booths and an arts and craft area.

“It’s something for everybody,” Baker said.

The children’s area is in front of ArtSpace/Lima, featuring a children’s stage (used for Rally on the Square) and attractions such as COSI. The arts and crafts booth are in front of the city building, with the gazebo being used as a stage for daytime entertainment.

The main stage will be set up in the middle of Town Square by the flagpole, with stages facing both north and south. The south-facing stage is the main stage, and there will be seats for festival-goers. Patrons be advised: Organizers will be filming for a DVD. Beer will be available for purchase.

Streets will be closed one block out from the center of the square for the festival.